The American Bakers Association (ABA) partnered with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) to strongly opposed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) supplemental proposal on “added sugars” labeling and the establishment of a daily value in comments.

“FDA’s proposal to mandate an “added sugars” label and daily value are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence nor consumer research demonstrating its usefulness to the public and poses a risk of confusing consumers into choosing less healthful foods,” said Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relation and Public Affairs.

“Even FDA’s own analysis of its consumer research shows it would add to the confusion of America’s families,” said ABA President & CEO, Robb MacKie.

In its comments, ABA and RBA questioned the Agency’s statutory authority to require or enforce the proposal, and voiced significant concerns regarding procedural gaps in its nutrition facts panel rule making process; including providing sufficient notice, time for comment, and express comment scope limitations.

“FDA does not have authority under the supplemental proposal to disregard comments that identify issues directly related to nutrition facts panel rulemaking as a whole,” noted Ms. Sanders.